The Omnivorous Philly Food Tour

September 7, 2015

It’s no question that Philadelphia is known as the home of the “Philly Cheesesteak”. If you’re new to living in Philadelphia, you probably don’t know about all of the other signature foods that are unique to the city. While meat lovers may want to stop by Pat’s or Geno’s for an authentic Philly dining experience, these cheesesteak places aren’t very fun options for vegetarians. I’m a vegetarian myself, but I don’t like dragging my meat loving friends to vegetarian restaurants on a regular basis. I also don’t like eating a salad every time I go out to eat. Luckily, they are several places in the city where vegetarians and meat lovers can happily coexist.

Chickie’s & Pete’s

Voted ESPN’s #1 Sports Bar on the East Coast, Chickie’s & Pete’s is indisputably an essential stop on the Philly food tour for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

What I Order: Chickie’s & Pete’s Famous Crabfries | Seasoned french fries served with a creamy cheese sauce (don’t let the name fool you, there is no crab or meat of any kind in these fries).

Nearest Location: 5035 W Township Line Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082

Federal Donuts

Famous for both its donuts and fried chicken, federal donuts can satisfy any craving you may have. Not only are there a variety of donut flavors to choose from, but these donuts have also been voted to several different lists from news outlets such as the Food Network, Philadelphia Magazine, and the New York Times, claiming Federal Donuts as one of America’s best donut shops, and the very best in Pennsylvania.

What I Order: Cinnamon Brown Sugar Donut | Warning: You’ll never be able to eat a cinnamon brown sugar donut from anywhere else.

Nearest Location: 3428 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Wawa

If you’ve ever stepped foot in Philadelphia, you’ve likely heard of Wawa already. Let Wawa cater your next picnic at Fairmount Park with their famous hoagies, soft pretzels, and delectable bakery items. With the option to make your own custom hoagie, you’ll get to choose from a wide variety of meaty or meat-free toppings.

What I Order: A Classic Cheese Hoagie and a Red Velvet Muffin for Dessert | While not as famous as their hoagies, the fresh-baked Wawa muffins will quickly become your new favorite treat.

Nearest Location: 949 Montgomery Avenue, Narberth, PA 19072

Primo Hoagies

Primo Hoagies has recently begun to open locations up and down the East Coast, but the franchise’s success story started in Philadelphia. With a “Meatless Delights” and “Healthy Choice” section on the menu, Primo has plenty of choices for everyone in your group.

What I Order: Healthy Cheese and Pasta Salad | Not only does Primo make some of the best hoagies around, but their sides and sampler platters are also worth the trip.

Nearest Location: 157 Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003

Honeygrow

Honeygrow is a new, healthy, local restaurant that is quickly becoming a Philly favorite. Honeygrow uses locally grown ingredients to make you a custom, healthy, and delicious stir fry, salad, smoothie, or fruit cup. For a guilt-free dining experience that both meat lovers and vegetarians will love, you can’t find a better place than Honeygrow.

What I Order: Vegan Kale Stir Fry and a Custom Fruit Cup | Honeygrow has some stir fry and salad suggestions to get you started, but allows you to completely customize your meal at their ordering stations.